ES2857725T3 - Element for the development of aquatic fauna or flora and artificial habitat device that includes at least one element of this type - Google Patents

Abstract

Element (1) for the development of aquatic fauna or flora, consisting of a network of flexible ropes (5), fixed between two flexible bands (2) that extend in a longitudinal direction and joined together, presenting the two bands flexible (2) at least one edge (3) and said strands (5) presenting a projecting portion (6) of said at least one edge (3) in a transverse direction.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Element for the development of aquatic fauna or flora and artificial habitat device that includes at least one element of this type

Technical sector

The invention relates to aquatic equipment, in particular, maritime or river port equipment and, more particularly, it deals with an element for the development of aquatic fauna or flora, as well as an artificial habitat device comprising at least one element of this type, being able to adjust and adapt the device to existing structures (for example, existing springs).

State of the art

Document JP 2008 069473 A discloses an element for the development of aquatic fauna or flora, which consists of a network of flexible ropes fixed between two flexible ropes that extend in a longitudinal direction, the two flexible ropes presenting at least one edge and said strands presenting a projecting portion of said at least one edge in a transverse direction. Document US 3118424 A discloses an element suitable for the development of aquatic fauna or flora, consisting of a network of flexible ropes fixed between two flexible threads that extend in a longitudinal direction, the two flexible threads presenting at least one edge and said strands presenting a projecting portion of said at least one edge in a transverse direction.

In the sea or river beds, some animal species take advantage of the vegetation to escape their predators. This marine vegetation forms a protective zone for these species, since the predators, often more voluminous, cannot easily move within the vegetation.

When ports or other maritime, river or lake facilities are built artificially, the natural relief is modified in order to enable space for the maritime activities planned for that site. These achievements often have a negative impact on the ecosystem. To compensate for these negative effects, one can try to emulate nature with man-made structures, which, however, respect the function of the marine facility.

Artificial structures are known to rest on the seabed. Such structures are not adapted to be attached to port equipment.

Object of the invention

The invention proposes an element that can be easily fixed on existing equipment, which resists the forces associated with water flows (for example, due to the movements of boats, for example, currents generated by the propellants of boats) .

For this purpose, the invention refers to an element according to claim 1 for the development of aquatic fauna or flora that consists of a network of flexible ropes, fixed between two flexible bands that extend in a longitudinal direction joined together, presenting the two flexible strips at least one edge and said ends presenting a projecting portion of said at least one edge in a transverse direction.

When done in this way, the element forms a refuge space for the fry, in particular, due to the presence of the projecting portions of the ropes.

Furthermore, the flexible strands can be juxtaposed with respect to each other.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the network of flexible strands can consist of natural fiber strands which can preferably be hemp fibers, coconut fibers or a mixture of hemp and coconut fibers.

According to another embodiment, the network of flexible ropes can consist of synthetic ropes, which can be made of polypropylene.

Furthermore, said projecting portion can have a length of at least 10 cm.

Advantageously, the flexible bands can be made of a synthetic material, which can be polypropylene. The invention also relates to an artificial habitat device consisting of at least one element such as that defined above.

In the context of an advantageous embodiment to be described below, the element is twisted, tensioned and fixed between two ends spaced apart in a longitudinal direction.

The device can furthermore consist of several elements that are placed parallel to each other in said longitudinal direction, the elements being spaced from one another in a transverse direction.

According to another advantageous embodiment, the device can comprise several intersecting twisted elements. According to a further embodiment, each of the ends of the elements can be respectively fixed to an upright, the uprights being fixed to a support by means of at least one fixing plug, suitable for fixing the uprights at a certain distance from said support, said at least one plug having a suitable fixing surface to bear against said support.

Furthermore, the distance between the upright and the support can be substantially 30 cm.

On the other hand, the uprights can be fixed at an adjustable distance from the support.

According to some embodiments, the elements do not interfere with the mooring or are not liable to damage the boats.

Description of the figures

In order to be able to be carried out, the invention is set forth in a sufficiently clear and complete manner in the following description, which, moreover, is accompanied by drawings, in which:

- figure 1 is a perspective view of an element according to the invention, in an exploded view, - figure 2 is a perspective view of the element shown in figure 1, assembled,

- figure 3 shows part of a spring, in a profile view, on which a device according to the invention is mounted,

figure 4 is a perspective view of a spring on which a device according to the invention is mounted,

Figure 5 shows another device according to the invention, seen in profile and in perspective, the device being mounted on a submerged cylindrical post, and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fixing system according to an embodiment.

Detailed description of the invention

In the following description, the terms "bottom", "top", "top", "bottom", etc ... are used with reference to the drawings for ease of understanding. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Figure 1 shows various parts that constitute an element 1 according to the invention before its assembly.

The element 1 consists of two flexible bands 2, each made of a synthetic material and, more specifically, of polypropylene, which extend in a first longitudinal direction D. Polypropylene has the particularity of being a rot-proof material. It should be understood that the bands could be made of other rot-proof material without departing from the context of the invention. A band designates a component whose dimension according to a first main direction (length) is much greater than its dimensions according to its other two main directions and, in particular, where the dimension according to a second main direction (width) is much greater than its dimension according to its third main direction (thickness). The term "much larger" designates at least a factor of 5 or even a factor of 10. The first and second principal directions define a median plane of extension of the web. In the example presented, a band, lying flat on a support, has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Other forms or local variations of this form are feasible. The two flexible bands are made, for example, of the same material.

A flexible band 2 has two edges 3 that are substantially parallel to each other, extending in the longitudinal direction, and two free opposite ends 4. According to one example, the two bands have the same geometry and / or are symmetrical with respect to a median plane.

The two bands are superimposed on each other. That is, the two bands are offset from each other in the thickness sense. In this way, the median planes of extension of the two bands are parallel and the bands are offset from one another in the direction normal to these median planes of extension. The projections of the two bands in one of the median planes of extension are substantially identical (in Figure 1, the two bands are represented artificially offset from each other in the D and T directions for ease of understanding).

Between the two strips, flexible strands 5 are juxtaposed in a transverse direction T (the transverse direction is, in the context of this example, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D). This is, for example, the width direction. A rope designates a component whose dimension according to a first main direction (length) is much larger than its dimensions according to its other two main directions and, in particular, where the dimension according to the second and third main directions (width / thickness) has the same order of magnitude. The expression "very much larger" designates at least a factor of 10 or even a factor of at least 20. The expression "of the same order of magnitude" designates size relationships between 1/2 and 2, even between 1/4 and 4. Herein, all the flexible strands 5 extend mainly in the direction T. In particular, they extend substantially parallel to each other. They are separated from each other according to direction D. The "term" separated "in the present document designates the fact that their main axes are separated from each other, two adjacent strands may have a peripheral surface in contact. The flexible strands 5 are juxtaposed. between the two bands in the sense that they are positioned between the two overlapping bands.

The strands can be substantially rectilinear at rest. As a variant, each strand can, however, have its own shape. The ropes are flexible enough to be able to adopt a rectilinear shape when sufficient traction is exerted on them.

The flexible strands 5 have a length such that they each consist of at least one projecting portion of one of the edges 3 of the bands. In the illustrated example, each of the strands has two projecting portions 6, on each side of the edges 3 of the bands 2. The projecting portions 6 have a length of at least 30 cm in the context of the example presented.

It should be understood that the invention is not limited to a particular length of the projecting portions.

In the context of the invention, the projecting portions have a length of at least substantially 10 cm. The length of the projecting portions is preferably chosen as a function of the distance left between a vertical support (for example, a submerged vertical wall) and the device according to the invention, which is fixed to the vertical support (see more forward - distance d).

All flexible ends can be identical. In particular, they can have identical lengths. As a variant, the flexible strands 5 can have different lengths, as shown in Figure 1.

Thus placed between the two flexible strips 2, the flexible strands 5 form a network of flexible strands substantially aligned side by side in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the flexible straps 2.

It should be understood that the flexible strands 5 could be arranged differently in the strand network without thereby departing from the scope of the invention: for example, an element according to the invention could consist of a strand network arranged in random directions between the bands, provided they consist of a projecting portion of at least one of the edges of the flexible bands between which they are placed.

The orientation of the flexible strands in a transverse direction makes it possible to use shorter strands between the strips, so that the element obtained according to the invention is less expensive to produce.

The network of flexible ropes 5 can consist of one or more types of rope: the ropes can be synthetic, for example, made of polypropylene. The ropes can also consist of, or even be made of, natural fibers, such as coconut fibers or hemp ropes. The rope net can also consist of both natural ropes and synthetic fiber ropes.

The projecting portion of the strands is made in particular of a material with a density close to 1, preferably between 0.9 and 1.2.

The synthetic ropes are chosen from a material resistant to prolonged use in water (inert, non-corrosive material).

The advantage of using natural ropes is that they respect the environment.

It should be noted that synthetic materials, such as polypropylene, will only be used on condition that their use in the marine environment has been recognized (in the cultivation of shellfish, for example)

According to the invention, the flexible bands 2 are connected to each other, to keep the flexible strands 5 in place.

In the context of the example illustrated in the figures and, in particular, in figure 2, the flexible strips 2 are joined to each other by a seam. For example, you can use two seams 7.

The flexible bands 2 are connected to each other so that the flexible strands 5 are connected to them.

For example, two independent flexible bands are used, sewn together. As a variant, the two superimposed flexible strips are obtained by folding a single larger format strip.

It should be understood that a means of attachment other than the seam could be provided without departing from the context of the invention. For example, the flexible bands 2 and the flexible strands 5 could be joined by welding or gluing.

The elements 1 according to the invention are intended to be implemented in at least one device according to the invention.

The first objective of the device is to allow the development of aquatic fauna or flora, constituting an artificial habitat for aquatic fauna and flora. The device according to the invention, which is shown more particularly in Figures 3 to 6, offers a shelter for fish larvae and fingerling fish, so that they can develop therein in order to join later to adult populations in the natural environment.

The device according to the invention is capable of withstanding the conditions of the aquatic environment in which it is placed, such as waves, sea currents or those generated by the movement of vessels. Item 1 can also support dock cleaning procedures.

To do so, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figures 3 to 5, the element 1 is twisted around the longitudinal direction D, creating a more rigid element, narrower than the flexible strips 2, so that the projecting portions 6 of the flexible strands 5 define a volume in three-dimensional space. The term "volume" is defined as a space in which no characteristic dimension is much less than the other two.

This distribution of the projecting portions 6 in all directions makes it possible to create a space more conducive to the development of the fauna, since the portions 6 of flexible strands 5 then form, around the element 1, a three-dimensional network of portions 6 of strands .

The element 1 is equipped at each of its ends 4 with a fixing system that enables the element 1 to be fixed to a structure consisting of the device. The element 1 provided with its fixing systems is hereinafter referred to as cable 26.

Any fixing system can be provided. In the context of this embodiment, it is envisaged that the fixing of the elements 1 is removable in the device. According to one example, the fastening system chosen herein comprises or can be combined with a hook system.

Figure 6 is an example of an embodiment of the fastening system (which is represented before the implementation of the twist). This example occurs at the common end of the bands 2 where the fold has been made. A transverse seam 21 extending in the direction T at a certain distance from the folded end, enables a loop 22 to be defined between the fold and transverse seam 21. A rigid fastening member is associated with the loop. For example, a stirrup 23 is inserted through the loop 22, then this is closed with a pin 24, to form a rigid ring 25 attached to the element 1. This embodiment makes it possible not to pierce the bands and, consequently, not to weaken them. The ring 25 can be associated with a hook.

It should be noted that, if the end considered of the bands does not consist of a fold of this type, a loop can be made by turning the end of one of the bands and sewing it with a transverse seam to an intermediate portion of this same band and to the end of the other band that is superimposed on it.

The assembly of the hook to the ring 25 allows an additional degree of freedom to be introduced at the level of this assembly, thus allowing the element 1 to move with respect to the support structure.

The hook itself can be a system that can adopt an open configuration, in which it can be assembled to the ring 25, and a closed configuration, in which it cannot be dissociated from the ring 25. The action of a user to switch from the closed state to the open state. It is a carabiner type system.

Turnbuckles (not shown) can also be provided at one of the ends of the element 1, between the end of the element 1 and the hook, in order to be able to regulate the tension of the element 1 in the structure of the device according to the invention. The tensioner consists of one end attached to the ring 25 and a second end intended to cooperate with the hook. Such a tensioner has an adjustable length. Indeed, the tension of element 1 is directly related to the degree of torsion imposed on it, which is also related to its length. The tensioner reintroduces a degree of freedom that allows the tension of element 1 to be dissociated from the length of cable 26.

In a variant not shown, the fixing system comprises a hook adapted to cooperate with a ring attached to the structure.

According to one example, the structure of the device according to the invention consists of two posts 11 between the which is laid at least one cable 26 and, consequently, one element 1 according to the invention.

It should be noted that, according to other embodiments of the invention, the two uprights 11 could be replaced by a closed frame.

The two posts are spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction D (see Figures 4 or 5).

Figure 4 shows an example of embodiment of a post 11: it consists of a beam 12 that extends in a direction transverse to the direction in which the element 1 extends.

The beam 12 is connected to two blocks 13, which allow to fix the beam 12 to a flat support (for example, a concrete wall 16 of a quay). The blocks 13 are placed, for example, at the ends of the beam 12. The blocks 13 also allow the beam 12 to be positioned at a certain distance from the flat support (see figure 3).

The beam 12 carries fixing elements for the cables 26. The fixing members are, for example, the hooks respectively associated with one of the fixing systems of the respective cable 26. The fixing members are spaced, for example, regularly, along the beam 12. It is possible to provide regularly spaced through holes along the beam 12 and into which hooks can be attached.

At one end, the attachment of a cable 26 to a beam 12 is done by connecting a hook of the beam to the cable attachment system 26. An attachment is also provided at the opposite end of the cable 26.

Thanks to this embodiment, there can be several elements 1 laid between two uprights 11, the elements I being mounted parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction D, and spaced from each other in a transverse direction by a minimum interval corresponding at least to the space existing between two adjacent holes of the upright 11. The distance between two adjacent elements 1 is, for example, of the order of the length of the strands 5.

As previously indicated, the blocks 13 make it possible to fix the beams 12 at a certain distance from a flat support 16 (wall of a quay, for example, these can be masonry, concrete or sheet piles). The two uprights II will be separated by a determined spacing, the tension of element 1 being regulated by its twisting around its longitudinal axis and the tensioner, taking into account its length adjusted to adapt to the spacing between the two uprights 11. The The tension is dimensioned as a function of the estimated forces that the cable 26 must withstand, in particular, as a function of liquid flows (waves or movements caused by vessels, for example).

The distance d between the flat support 16 and the beam 12 of the upright 11 is shown in Figure 3. In this configuration, at least one of the cables 26 is submerged. The ropes 5 are made of a material with a density close enough to that of water and with sufficient flexibility to conserve the volume contributed to the ropes once the cable is submerged. Indeed, if the density of the ropes were too low, all the ropes would tend to float, retained by the bands, therefore, to orient themselves parallel to each other upwards. If the density of the strands were too high, all the strands would tend to sink, retained by the bands, therefore oriented parallel to each other downward. The flexibility (or ductility) of the ropes also allows their projecting portions to move freely at the mercy of water flows.

The distance d must be sufficient to provide a space to serve as a shelter for the fry and to allow the elements 1 to swing under the effect of water flows. The distance d is in the present document an average distance, which depends on the distance from the beam 12 to the support 16 defined at the level of each block 13. Indeed, each block 13 can have an adjustable height to easily regulate the position of the cable. 26 and, in particular, to adapt to a possible irregularity of the surface of the support 16.

In the context of the illustrated example, the distance d is substantially 30 cm.

It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiment of the block illustrated in Figure 3: it could be envisaged, without departing from the context of the invention, blocks that allow the distance d to be varied.

On the other hand, this distance d can be less than the horizontal distance between a crowning beam 27 of the quay and the vertical wall 16 of the quay, so that vessels cannot damage the device according to the invention (in the case of if a cable 26 is fixed directly to the spring, the distance d would also be close to 0).

In the example presented in figure 3, it is contemplated to lay at least two cables 26 parallel to each other, between two uprights 11. However, as a variant, the cables 26 are not necessarily placed in parallel. According to a further variant, a cable can be laid between two uprights 11, the uprights 11 being able to be produced in a fairly simple way only by means of a fixing block to the support (spring).

The upright 11 presented in Figures 3 or 4, which consists of a beam and two blocks, makes it possible to lay two cables 26 or more, by means of a fairly simple structure and whose footprint of attachment to the dock is small.

Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of a device according to the invention, mounted on the spring 17 of a port.

The device consists of three posts 11 mounted on the wall 16 of the quay 17 thanks to the blocks 13, retracted with respect to the crowning beam 27 of the quay 17. In particular, three parallel posts 11 are used. In this way, the structure described above with two parallel posts 11 is duplicated, the two systems being juxtaposed in direction D, with a common post in common for both systems. The common upright, intermediate between the two end posts, comprises fixing systems to cables that extend on both sides thereof.

There are five elements 1 according to the invention laid between two adjacent uprights 11, in the longitudinal direction D.

The effective area of the device shown in Figure 6 is of the order of 20 m2. The studs 11 extend for a height of 2 m and the upper end of the studs 11 is located substantially 50 cm below the mean water level 20. The stud 11 is positioned so that the cables 26 remain submerged even when the level of the water is at its lowest level (due to tides / droughts, in particular).

As a variant, the structure represented in figure 4 could also be duplicated vertically. In this way, it is possible to make a housing structure that has a geometry that is adaptable to the area to be equipped, from adjustable modular elements that are easy to assemble.

In the context of this embodiment, the posts 11 are oriented in a substantially vertical direction and the elements 1 (or cables 26) are oriented in a horizontal direction.

However, the invention should not be limited to the vertical positioning of the studs.

In figure 5 another embodiment is shown, illustrating an embodiment according to which the posts 11 are positioned in a substantially horizontal direction.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, the uprights 11 of the example illustrated in Figure 5 are not necessarily rectilinear, but curved and are fixed on a cylindrical post 18 submerged in water 20. The elements 1 (or cables 26) of According to the invention they are laid between the two uprights 11 in a longitudinal direction which, on this occasion, is oriented vertically.

Thus, according to the embodiments, the uprights 11 may have a shape suitable for the application.

In the case of the examples described above, the devices not only consist of elements 1 placed parallel to each other. One could envisage traversing the elements 1 without departing from the context of the invention. In this way, the devices could be made in circular planes, implementing a circular frame, where the cables 26 would be arranged radially, fixed to the circular frame at their ends, with a connection between the cables 26 in the center of the circular frame.

Thanks to the design of the device according to the invention, the latter can be easily fixed on the docks of existing port constructions. Additionally, the device is designed in such a way that it cannot damage boat hulls and vice versa.

On the other hand, the elements of the device according to the invention can be easily removed from the device, to quickly access the spring to which the device is attached, for example, to clean the spring or other or simply to replace an element 1 with other.

Claims (14)

1. Element (1) for the development of aquatic fauna or flora, consisting of a network of flexible ropes (5), fixed between two flexible bands (2) that extend in a longitudinal direction and joined together, presenting the two flexible bands (2) at least one edge (3) and said strands (5) presenting a projecting portion (6) of said at least one edge (3) in a transverse direction. Element according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible strands (5) are juxtaposed with respect to each other. Element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the network of flexible strands (5) consists of strands of natural fibers. 4. Element according to claim 3, characterized in that the natural fibers are hemp fibers, coconut fibers or a mixture of hemp and coconut fibers. Element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the network of flexible strands consists of synthetic strands and, optionally, wherein said synthetic strands are made of polypropylene. Element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said projecting portion (6) has a length of at least 10 cm. Element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flexible bands (2) are made of a synthetic material and, optionally, wherein said synthetic material is polypropylene. 8. Artificial habitat device consisting of at least one element according to any one of the preceding claims. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that said element (1) is twisted, stretched and fixed between two ends (4) separated from each other in a longitudinal direction. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that it consists of several elements (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and in that the elements (1) are placed parallel to each other according to said longitudinal direction, the elements (1) being ) separated from each other in a transverse direction. Device according to claim 9, comprising several twisted elements (1), wherein the twisted elements (1) intersect. Element according to any one of claims 9, 10 or 11, characterized in that each of the ends (4) are respectively fixed to an upright (11), the uprights (11) being fixed to a support (16) by means of at least one fixing block (13), suitable for fixing the uprights (11) at a certain distance from said support (16), said at least one block (13) presenting a suitable fixing surface to bear against said support ( 16). Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the distance between the upright (11) and the support (16) is substantially 30 cm. Device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the uprights (11) are fixed at an adjustable distance from the support (16).